However,
the extent to which our brain function is purely due to genes is
specific and limited. The rest is shaped by the environment, and
especially by our behavior. We are the ones who can affect our thoughts
and actions, if we know how to. Easy ways to influence the brain
indirectly are, for instance, diet, hydration level, exercise and
psychotherapy. However, neurofeedback, the direct control of changes in
brain processes, is also a powerful, yet less well known technique.
A Simple Technique
Neurofeedback is a specialized form of biofeedback [1], which monitors general brain and bodily functions, such as blood pressure, heart rate and brain waves, to promote control over usually involuntary physiological processes. Neurofeedback is a technology-based learning method that provides real-time information in order to positively reinforce the desired alteration of brain activity. This can be measured using different methods, including electroencephalography (EEG), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). What's more, neurofeedback can be used for various conditions, like panic disorders, stress, sleep problems, but also autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Parkinson’s disease [2,3]. As you learn to improve and regulate the modulation of your brain, medication can theoretically be reduced.
As a case in point, children with ADHD often have huge behavioral problems: they are impulsive, get bored quickly and are easily distracted. This has been linked with aberrant brain activity, as studies have shown reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in controling situation-specific activities and regulating emotional processes [4]. The fact that these symptoms already surface at early ages may lead to the (erroneous) conclusion that they are genetically determined. The call for redeeming methylphenidate (more commonly known under its brand name Ritalin) from parents often becomes louder when the child reaches school age. Worryingly, it’s not known how the daily intake of Ritalin, a chemical cousin of amphetamine, calms kids down and increases their ability to concentrate. Even more worryingly, it has also remained unclear what causes the severe side effects that include headache, nervousness and depressive mood [5].
Neurofeedback offers an option to exert self-control, which is often claimed to be impaired in ADHD. Thereby, patients could be taught to control their frontal cortex activity and thus enhance attention and concentration. Via EEG, the brain waves in this area are measured and a computer disassembles their frequency components and visualizes them on a monitor for the child to see [1,6]. Transferring these abstract brain curves into something playful, like a ball that approaches a goal when the child produces desired brain activity changes, turns this therapy into a simple, but interesting computer game. In the second step, the monitor is black and the children are asked to ‘think’ the same as they did when the ball went into the goal. If they manage this ‘blinded’ as well, they can be offered a treat. Importantly, children learn very fast and only a small amount of training is sufficient for them to transfer their ‘concentration mode’ to daily life .
Classic Versus Alternative
This is just one example of how a "dysregulated" brain can be taught to control itself non-invasively and without side effects. Sure, it is not a panacea – disorders have different origins, and people are different. Nevertheless, it is a powerful method that is well worth a try.
Why are doctors rarely informing their patients about this potential treatment? My guess is that it is not profitable. For sure, it is profitable for patients, but not for big pharma. They have the financial resources, but they might not be too keen on promoting this alternative approach by research and marketing. A therapy in which patients with usually chronic symptoms (such as ADHD) learn to treat themselves in a relatively short period is not good business for them.
by Anahita Poshtiban, PhD Student AG Plested
this article originally appeared June 2017 in CNS Volume 10, Issue 2, Digital Health and Big Data
References
[1] http://bit.ly/2nOriuX.
[2] Jiang, Front Aging Neurosci, 2017
[3] Reiter, J Nerv Ment Dis, 2016
[4] Cubillo et al., Cortex 2012
[5] Lee et al., BMC Psychiatry 2011
[6] Birbaumer and Zittlau, Ullstein, 2015
A Simple Technique
Neurofeedback is a specialized form of biofeedback [1], which monitors general brain and bodily functions, such as blood pressure, heart rate and brain waves, to promote control over usually involuntary physiological processes. Neurofeedback is a technology-based learning method that provides real-time information in order to positively reinforce the desired alteration of brain activity. This can be measured using different methods, including electroencephalography (EEG), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). What's more, neurofeedback can be used for various conditions, like panic disorders, stress, sleep problems, but also autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Parkinson’s disease [2,3]. As you learn to improve and regulate the modulation of your brain, medication can theoretically be reduced.
 |
| by Anahita Poshtiban |
As a case in point, children with ADHD often have huge behavioral problems: they are impulsive, get bored quickly and are easily distracted. This has been linked with aberrant brain activity, as studies have shown reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in controling situation-specific activities and regulating emotional processes [4]. The fact that these symptoms already surface at early ages may lead to the (erroneous) conclusion that they are genetically determined. The call for redeeming methylphenidate (more commonly known under its brand name Ritalin) from parents often becomes louder when the child reaches school age. Worryingly, it’s not known how the daily intake of Ritalin, a chemical cousin of amphetamine, calms kids down and increases their ability to concentrate. Even more worryingly, it has also remained unclear what causes the severe side effects that include headache, nervousness and depressive mood [5].
NEUROFEEDBACK OFFERS SELF-CONTROL
Neurofeedback offers an option to exert self-control, which is often claimed to be impaired in ADHD. Thereby, patients could be taught to control their frontal cortex activity and thus enhance attention and concentration. Via EEG, the brain waves in this area are measured and a computer disassembles their frequency components and visualizes them on a monitor for the child to see [1,6]. Transferring these abstract brain curves into something playful, like a ball that approaches a goal when the child produces desired brain activity changes, turns this therapy into a simple, but interesting computer game. In the second step, the monitor is black and the children are asked to ‘think’ the same as they did when the ball went into the goal. If they manage this ‘blinded’ as well, they can be offered a treat. Importantly, children learn very fast and only a small amount of training is sufficient for them to transfer their ‘concentration mode’ to daily life .
Classic Versus Alternative
This is just one example of how a "dysregulated" brain can be taught to control itself non-invasively and without side effects. Sure, it is not a panacea – disorders have different origins, and people are different. Nevertheless, it is a powerful method that is well worth a try.
Why are doctors rarely informing their patients about this potential treatment? My guess is that it is not profitable. For sure, it is profitable for patients, but not for big pharma. They have the financial resources, but they might not be too keen on promoting this alternative approach by research and marketing. A therapy in which patients with usually chronic symptoms (such as ADHD) learn to treat themselves in a relatively short period is not good business for them.
by Anahita Poshtiban, PhD Student AG Plested
this article originally appeared June 2017 in CNS Volume 10, Issue 2, Digital Health and Big Data
References
[1] http://bit.ly/2nOriuX.
[2] Jiang, Front Aging Neurosci, 2017
[3] Reiter, J Nerv Ment Dis, 2016
[4] Cubillo et al., Cortex 2012
[5] Lee et al., BMC Psychiatry 2011
[6] Birbaumer and Zittlau, Ullstein, 2015
No comments:
Post a Comment